Considering the move from a regular job to freelancing? It’s a choice that offers freedom and flexibility but also brings new challenges. This article combines a practical step-by-step guide with the inspiring story of Bianca Alblas, who took the leap into entrepreneurship. You’ll receive concrete tips on finding your first clients, organizing your business, and a realistic picture of what freelancing entails, including both challenges and opportunities often overlooked by beginners.
Switching from employee to freelancer offers freedom and flexibility but requires preparation. Start with self-evaluation, develop key skills, build your network and client base, and organize your finances, administration, insurance, and online presence. Patience, flexibility, and support from a partner like Striive increase your chances of success.
A business plan helps maintain focus and prioritize actions. Outline your services, target audience, pricing strategy, and growth plans. It doesn’t need to be extensive, but it should provide guidance and be updated as your experience and network grow.
Register with the Chamber of Commerce, open a business bank account, and create clear contracts for your assignments. Consider using accounting software to streamline your administration. Being organized frees up time to focus on delivering quality work.
Without fixed hours, structure is key. Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion, plan your work in blocks, and maintain work-life balance. Discipline combined with flexibility ensures productivity and reduces stress.
Freelancing requires perseverance. Not every month will be equally successful, but staying flexible and adopting a learning mindset allows you to gain experience and increase your revenue.
Bianca Alblas worked for years in a permanent job before transitioning to freelance work as a document controller. Through Striive, she found her first major client, Vattenfall.
"Striive’s support gave me confidence. Plus, with their Premium Service, I received my invoices paid quickly, allowing me to fully focus on my work." – Bianca
The combination of taking control of her career while using professional services helped Bianca start successfully.
One challenge of freelancing is maintaining a healthy cash flow. With Striive’s Premium Service, invoices are paid within 14 days, giving you financial flexibility to invest and cover gaps between assignments.
Whether you’re just starting or already active, continue learning, networking, and building your personal brand. This increases your chances of long-term success and makes you more attractive to clients.
Transitioning from employee to freelancer requires preparation, effort, and courage. With a clear plan, the right skills, and support from a reliable partner like Striive, you can increase your chances of a successful and sustainable freelance career.